bugzrrad

So I'm starting this project on my 1991 5.0L 305 Caprice Classic.

I was told that the TPI intake manifold would bolt right onto my motor so I snagged this guy from ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=290148632963

I also plan on buying this twin turbo kit:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEWA:IT&ih=012

I'm going to be using a Megasquirt programmable EFI kit from http://www.patatron.com

Does anyone have any advice or cool ideas I should impliment?

Thanks for looking!

-David

gbodybilly

Eeek. Baby steps, there. Personally, I'd get 'er running good first n/a. There's a bit of a learning curve with MS (or, MS2). The MS forum is good with that.

A few things to note.
- The TPI manifold will conflict with your heads due to your centerbolt heads
- Along with that, I believe that setup has the 9th injector (you can purchase a cold start plug - jimsperformance.com carries one cheaper than Street and Performance)
- You probably won't need the MAF sensor going MS (you can but why?)

I'm sure others will chime in.

Drac0nic

He's right on all 3 counts, besides that I believe you'll need a different distributor probably a "large cap" because the hole is bigger. That being said mine has 15 minutes of run time on it with the dist just being bolted down to the smaller hole, that being said I don't like it a lot and it's just on a stand.

The intake is easy enough to modify though, you just oval the middle holes out for the other bolts. Not a biggie. That's a clean lookin TPI setup and at under $200 it's a good deal.

Sell the MAF, ECU and if you get a plug for it the cold start injector, but as long as it doesn't leak fuel or anything I'd just disconnect the line and leave it.

He's right about running the motor N/A first, I've done some Megasquirt stuff it's quite the learning curve. Get it running well, then boost it. Oh, and I'd do junk yard turbos before that kit personally, just my opinion on it.

Electrically, you can use a LOT of the harness that's there and probably not have to run hardly any wires. The only thing I can think of is a relay for the HEI to lock the timing while cranking, other than that you adapt the stock electrical. Nearly everything plugs up on the engine side except the injectors, in that case I would cut the TBI connectors off and get 8 port injector connectors, then wire 4 to each TBI connector. The best way to wire them up is to have it where one set goes to 2,6,3,7 then the other goes to 4,8,1,5. This will minimize the pulsation in the rails and even the flow supposedly. It doesn't really matter which go where. I can help you with the building or install of the Megasquirt if you need it, just post Q's here.

Don't expect those injectors to give you enough fuel with any sort of boost, get at least some 30s and preferably some 42s. The Ford Motor Sports ones go cheap if you keep your eyes open. I'd run the stockers for now and re-tune when you get that far though. Also keep in mind you need a fuel pump to even run the TPI setup, something like a Walbro 340 would be a good idea in your case since you want to turbo it.

ED:didn't see injectors weren't included. Get at least 30s if not 42s.

bugzrrad

Thanks!

You guys are great!

gbodybilly

You can run a remote coil dizzy (I believe Lance (of Bowling and Grippo) has been running one for a while) but he's also of a minority. Just make sure you read up of of how/what he's done. Something about the triggering, IIRC. It's referred to as an 8-pin HEI. Though, if you do decide to switch dizzies, remember to swap the dissy gear!

Toehead

I am running the 8 pin HEI.

LoneStar666

drop a stroker motor in there

Toehead

If you buy a MS-II I have a very good tune for a NA TPI 5.0 motor that I can send you.



Also, these guys are a bit cheaper, and certified distributors:
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/index.php

Drac0nic

What was done to it. VERY interested for a base tune

Toehead

It is a stock 89 TPI motor with the "hotter" manual tranny cam. It is running as good or better then stock with the current tables.

bugzrrad

I would like a copy of the map; could you send it to bugzrrad(at)hotmail(dot)com

?

Thanks!

vwdave

Also make sure you get a high pressure fuel pump. The L03/5 only run in the 15psi area and the TPI's run 43psi.

kdrolt

You will not be able to install the distributor into the engine when the lower base of the TPI intake manifold is already on the engine // in the car.... because of the cowl overhang on the 91-96 Caprice models. You will need to install the TPI lower base + distributor as an assembly.

A few people have done this swap before; the Impala SS forum has links to them, but right now the search feature there is hosed. I'll update this post when it gets fixed.

Toehead

To those of you waiting for the .msq file:

I'll send them out tomorrow (they are stored on my work machine)

It is for a MS-II running the latest 2.862 stable code. You can download the code and test it out!

Those of you running the 12X12 MS-I code can use my tables by exporting them and then importing them to your MS.

Toehead

I sent out the files a few days ago... How is everything working out for you???

bugzrrad

I got it, but it looks like I might be scrapping this project for a 2nd gen camaro I found on craigslist - I should be able to use it on that motor though (350 instead of the 305)

I'm the most impulsive person you will ever meet by the way

Toehead

Ya that should work

Remember you need a high pressure fuel pump!

bugzrrad

fuel pump - check!

looks like no one wants to buy my caprice which was going to fund the camaro project - i might just have to keep it!

Does anyone recommend any specific heads that would be better suited for what i'm doing?

btw- is it "LO3" or "L03"?